kindes of religious exercises to be observed every day are Prayer Exercise in the Scripture and Meditation 9. Prayer ought to be performed every day 10. Conceived prayer is best approved 11. Yet it is lawfull and may be expedient for some to use set formes of prayer 12. Exercise in the Scripture ought to be every day 13. Scripture-exercise consisteth in Reading Singing of Psalmes Catechizing Conferenâ—â— 14. Reading of the Scripture ought to be used daily 15. It is a good course for the most part to read the Word in order 16. Singing of Psalmes ought to be used frequently 17. Catechising ought to be used frequently 18. It is lawfull and may be expedient to use a sâ— forme of some approved Catechisme 19. Conference of Scripture matters ought to be frequent 20. Meditation ought to be daily 21. The most seasonable time of every day should be taken for religious duties 22. Morning and Evening are the most seasonable times of every day for the service of prayer and Scripture-exercise 23. In some cases the performance of religious services may sometimes be omitted 24. When such cases are it ought to be greivous to such as by occasion are necessitated to such omissions 25. Vnjust or sleight pretences for omissions should be taken heed of 26. More or lesse time must be taken unto religious duties according as circumstances will allow 27. The Families of Gods people ought both morning and evening to performe such religious services 28. Such religious services for every day ought to be performed by the whole family joyntly and together 29. But Meditation ought notwithstanding to be performed by the severall members of the family apart by themselves 30. In performance of religious family-duties some one of the family should be as the mouth of the rest for the utterance of what is performed 31. Yet in singing of Psalmes all the members of the family ought to lift up their voices together 32. The Governour of the family ordinarily is the fittest person to be as the mouth of the rest of the family 33. The Governour of the family may according to his place and gift instruct his family aswell as pray with them 34. Yet he may not presume above his place and abilities in a course of instructing of them 35. The Governour of the family in some cases may lawfully depute some fit person of his houshold to performe some service which he himselfe otherwise ought to see unto 36. If the Governour be remisse or indisposed hereunto then the wife or some other ought to put the worke forward 37. If the Governour be froward so as not to admit of family-duties then the inferiours ought to redeeme time with as good conveniency as possibly they may 38. The severall members of the family ought to performe religious services in secret besides their joynt service of God 39. Vpon extraordinary occasions religious families ought to spend more then ordinary time yea sometimes whole daies together in religious services 40. Vpon occasion of extraordinary service it lawfull may be expedient to crave the asistance of neighbour godly-brethren 41. In extraordinary cases and occasions religâ—ous fasting may and ought to be added to thâ— other religious services 42. Religious fasting may be used in families with assistants aswell as publickly as occasiâ—â— shall require 43. There are sundry extraordinary occasions foâ— religious services to be accompanied with fasting 44. As the occasions may be more frequent so oughâ— the services to be frequent also 45. As sanctifying the Sabbath day exempteth mâ— from working-daies service in families ss neither doe working-daies services exempâ—â— from keeping the Sabbath day holy wholly 46. Publick services in the solemne Congregation ought cheifly to be seene unto on the Sabbath day 47. Yet it concerneth Christian families and thâ— members thereof to see to other services alsâ— on the Sabbath day both in the family and in secret 48. All due caution and circumspection ought to be used for the declining of finister cariage in any kind of religious duties 49. All religious services ought to be performed by all sorts in a spirituall and holy manner and due order 50. The performance of religious family-duties ought not to be rested in but God is to be depended on for his blessing the same 51. Such families as call not on Gods Name are in a most dangerous state 52. So likewise are such families as doe performe religious duties amisse 53. So are they also that are carelesse of learning to reade and of procuring or making use of Bibles 54. Those families are altogether inexcusable as doe walke contrary to the good waies of God 55. Governours of families ought to endeavour earnestly after soundnesse of judgment and godlinesse of conversation 56. Governours ought to see to the waies of the members of their families committed to their charge 57. Members of families ought to be tractable and ready to joyne in family-duties submitting to their Governours therein 58. Those families are happy as having the Lord to be their God doe serve him according to his will A DEMONSTRATION OF FAMILY-DUTIES I. PROPOSITION It is the cheife grand concernment of all people to know beleeve that the Lord is God Infallible proofes taken out of the word of God to confirme the Proposition THe importance of this first Proposition is declared by two sure witnesses even the two most eminent Prophets of the old new Testament Moses Christ Moses the man of God doeth effectually inculcate it to the Israelites in the booke of Deuteronomie according to all that the Lord had given him in commandement unto theÌ„ Deut. 4.39 Know therefore this day consider it in thine heart that the Lord he is God in heaven above upon the earth beneath there is none else And Christ Iesus who was faithfull to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithfull in all his house Hebr. 3.2 being asked Mark 12.28 Which is the first commandement of all Answered vers 29. The first of all 〈◊〉 commandements is Heare O Israel the Lord 〈◊〉 God is one Lord. Reasons or arguments taken out of Gods word to demonstrate the 1. Proposition I. REASON Because God himself who is infinite in wisdome and understaâ—ding Psal 147.5 doeth plainly testify thâ—â— the most seeming considerable valuabâ—â— estimates of people are of no worth in comparisoÌ„ of knowing him to be the Lord Goâ— See Ierem. 9.23 24. Thus saith the Lord 〈◊〉 not the wise man glory in his wisdome neither 〈◊〉 the mighty man glory in his might let not then man glory in his riches But let him that glorieâ—â— glory in this that he understandeth known me that I am the Lord c. II. REAS. Because knowledge and be leefe that the Lord is God is both a goâ—â— meanes also a cleere evidence of life eteâ—nall For so our blessed Saviour acknowledgeth affirmeth in his heavenly prayer 〈◊〉 the behalfe of his disciples a little before hâ—â— sufferings Iohn
17.3 This is life eternall is they might know thee the only true God 〈◊〉 Now that this is of grand concernment may be gathered from Moses his solemâ— attestatioÌ„ mentioned Deut. 30.19 I call haven earth to record this day against you the have set before you life death blessing cursing therefore choose life that thou thy seede may live III. REAS. Because ignorance of God or a not knowing him to be the Lord will expose people to everlasting destructioÌ„ from the presence of the Lord from the glory of his power at the latter day As it is writteÌ„ 2. Thess 1.7 8 9. The Lord Iesus shal be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God c. So that the terrour of the Lord should perswade men to looke seriously after the knowledge of God 2. Cor. 5.11 For what is a man profited if he shall gaine the whole world and loose his owne soule Or what shall a man give in exchange for â—is soule Math. 16.26 Observation for better understanding the meaning of the 1. Proposition Albeit the nature of the Majesty of God is infinite incomprehensible therefore cannot perfectly be knowne of any people As it is most excellently argued Iob 11.7 8 9. Canst thou by searching finde out God Canst thou finde out the Almighty unto perfection It is as high as heaven what canst thou doe deeper then hell what canst thou know The measure thereof is longer then the earth broader then the sea And 1. Timoth. 6.16 dwelling in the light which no man can approch unto whome man hath seene nor can see Yet the Lord haâ—â— made manifest in his works that whicâ— may be knowne of God Rom. 1.19 20. Yeâ— and he hath so revealed declared himself in his word by his only begotten sonne Iohâ— 1.18 Hebr. 1.1 that his people may in theâ—â— measure attaine unto all riches of the fuâ—â— assurance of understanding to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God Colos 2.2 II. PROPOSITION Such people as doe know beleeve that the Lord is God oughâ— to performe religious worship service unto his divine Majesty PROOF Moses the servant of the Lord inferreth this second Proposition from thâ— proofe alledged to confirme the former or of Deut. 4.39 concluding thus ver 40. The shalt keepe therefore his statutes and commandments c. Now this is one of his commandements that he be worshipped for so oâ— Saviour Christ expoundeth Moses Math. 4.10 It is written thou shalt worship the Lord tâ—â— God In like manner the Psalmist having occasionally shewed how it was made knowne to Iudah Israel that God is the Lord inâ— dispensation of his word ordinances works Psal 76.1 2 3. inferreth thence vers 11. Vow pay unto the Lord your God let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared that is to say Let Gods people that doe know and beleeve that the Lord is God performe religious hommage and worship to him I. REAS. Because the Gentiles who have not the use of the holy Scriptures are convinced by the light of the law of nature their consciences bearing witnesse Rom. 2.14 15. that he that is God ought to be religiously worshipped and accordingly have beene wont albeit superstitiously to order their course as is evident not only froÌ„ their owne books but also in sundry passages of the Bible See for this the Apostle Pauls testimony touching the Athenians when by occasion he sojourned at the University of Athens Act. 17.22 23. Yee men of Athens I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious For as I passed by beheld your devotions I found an Altar with this inscription TO THE UNKNOWNE GOD whom ye therefore ignorantly worship him declare I unto you II. REAS. Because a knowledge beleefe that the Lord is God implieth a knowledge in some measure of his Name Attributes Works how great how gracious how dreaded and how glorious they are the worth and excellency whereof doe châ—â—lenge and call for hommage and worship 〈◊〉 due thereunto For even so the holy servant of God in Scripture doe argue See Ieren 10.6 7. Forasmuch as there is none like unto the O Lord thou art great and thy Name is greatâ— might who would not feare thee O king of nations c. Psal 95.6 O come let us worship 〈◊〉 fall downe kneele before the Lord our Make Revel 4.11 Thou art worthy O Lord to receiâ—â— glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things c. OBSERVAT. It is an infallible signeâ— profane folly and of abominable Atheist in heart notwithstanding any professor otherwise with the lips when God is noth prayer worshipped and served This is demonstrated Psal 14.1 vers 4. being compared together The foole hath said in his hee there is no God They call not upon the Lord. III. PROPOSITION The religious worship and service which people should performe unto God ought to bâ— such as God himselfe doeth instâ—tute and appoint PROOF The scope and summe of thâ— affirmative part understood in the second commandement of the Decalogue Exod. 20.4 is that God ought to be worshipped according to his owne institutioÌ„ appointment Moreover likewise the summe of the commission given by our Saviour Christ in the new Testament to the Ministers of the Gospell is that they doe only teach his commandements as it is expressed Math. 28.19 Goe ye teach all nations Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you I. REAS. Because God himselfe is the onely Lawgiver and soveraigne King of his Churches as it is both taught and aknowledged in the old Testament and also in the new See Isa 33.22 For the Lord is our Iudge the Lord is our Lawgiver or statute-maker the Lord is our King Iam. 4.12 There is one Lawgiver who is able to save to destroy II. REAS. Because such religious worship and service as is tendered unto God which is not according to his owne institution and appointment is a vaine worshipping of him notwithstanding any pretence whatsoever either of antiquity custome seeming reasonablenesse or humane authority c. For so our Saviour Christ alledgeth approveth out of the prophesie of Esaias Mat. 15.9 In vaine they doe worship me teaching for doctrines the commandements of men Year hence it is that the Lord God in high displeasure hath sometimes executed fearfull punishment on transgressors in such kind as 〈◊〉 to be seene in his proceedings against the sonnes of Aaron very remarkably Levit. 10.1 2. Nadab and Abihu the sonnes of Aaron tooâ—â— either of them his censer put fire therein pâ—â— incense thereon and offered strange fire before tâ—â— Lord which he commanded them not And theâ—â— went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they died before the Lord. OBSERV Like as Monarchs kings oâ— the earth are wont to take just
Isa 58.13 Calling the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and honouring him not doing their owne waies nor finding their owne pleasure nor speaking their owne words c. True it is the generality both of the Ministers People in England have conceited too meanly and unbeseemingly of the Lords day as is palpably argued by the common neglect and contempt of preaching and by the unwarrantable liberties given and taken on that day Yea there have beene found some in England like those of (q) Act. 6.9 the Synagogue of Libertines that coÌ„tradicted the blessed martyr StepheÌ„ who have imployed both their witts tongues pennes to plead against the necessary and strict keeping holy the Sabbath day But albeit the more number-some and greater sort doe (r) Hos 11.12 compasse God about with lyes deceit yet the better more pious people doe rule with God and are faithfull with the Saints being heartily (Å¿) Ezek. 9.4 greived for the abominations done in the midst of the land on the Sabbath day Secondly the sincere respects of the people of God in England to Lectures appeare both by their great (t) 2 Sam. 24.24 costs to uphold and establish them where maintenance hath beene wanting otherwise and likewise by the fulnesse of the assemblies not only in London and greater cities but also in other parts of the countrey where they are used Oh how my spirits are revived and cheered and my heart (v) Psal 122.1 2. comforted within me when I call to minde the great concourse of well-affected Christians in severall parts of Lancashire and Cheshire where sometimes I had my station who have resorted to Lectures and monethly exercises as (x) Isa 60.8 doves fly to their windows going from strength to strength many miles round about till they appeared before God in the assembly of Saints Such their course seemed to be a reall experimentall commentary on the 84 Psalme True it is there hath beene speciall opposition against Lectures in England I tremble to mention it through the absurd unreasonablenesse of some seeking (y) 2 Thess 3.2 to hinder the free course of the Gospell But such their (z) 2 Tim. 3 8 9. folly and madnesse in resisting the trueth is made manifest to all men Thirdly the respective performance of religious family-duties by the people of God in England crowneth their keeping of the Sabbath and attendance on Lectures sith thereby it is demonstrated that their (a) Deut. 6.6 7. Christian profession is to purpose turning words into works and attaining a power of godlinesse aswell as the forme of it True it is that some professing themselves to be the people of God notwithstanding that family-duties are (b) Hos 8.12 of the great things of the law yet doe count them as a strange thing Not unlike those ignorant baptized (c) Act. 19.2 disciples at Ephesus who being asked whether they had received the holy Ghost since they had beleeved said They had not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost But (d) Hebr. 13.22 I beseech such to suffer the words of instruction and exhortation in the discourse ensuing True it is also there are some (e) Gen. 21.9 Gal. 4.29 scoffing Ismaels and (f) 2 Sam. 6.16 20. giering Micals who doe despise in their hearts and persecute what in them lieth the families that call upon Gods Name for their performance of family-duties But let such know that godly families are not wont to be daunted by (g) Hebr. 11.36 the tryall of cruell mockings as being resolved in their measure with David to be (h) 2 Sam. 6.22 yet more vile then thus if this be to be vile and with Joshua that however it may seeme evill to others to serve the Lord Yet (i) Josh 24.15 as for them their houses they will serve the Lord. Now forasmuch as many of the Lords approved workmeÌ„ have taken in hand to set forth their well studied labours to defend and promote the religious observation oâ— the Lords day and to justify and encourage effectuall preaching and fruitfull hearing of the word It seemed good to me also knowing that I am (k) Philip. 1.17 set for the cause of the Gospel to put forth my slender talent in composing an Essay touching the necessity nature and manner of performance of religious family-duties if so I may give an (l) Math. 25.19 Hebr. 13.17 Luk. 16.2 Neh. 13.22 account of my stewardship with joy and be spared according to the greatnesse of Gods tender mercies when I shal be summoned to a reckoning in that day And this I have attempted the rather (m) Psal 122.8 for my brethren companions sakes whose spiritual good and prosperity I unfeignedly desire and seeke after partly to stirre up and helpe forward the sincere and zealous devotions of such as desire to (n) Psal 10.2 walke within their houses with a perfect heart partly likewise to provoke such as are of greater abilities to contribute our of their (o) Math. 13.52 old and new store into our Lords treasury who standeth (p) Mark 12.41 to behold and observe and will graciously accept and commend the liberality of offerers be the gift never so meane It is undoubtedly (q) Math. 25.22.23 well done of Gods good and faithfull servants the godly-zealous preachers in England that in their sermons and treatises they doe most seriously call for and frequently inculcate an exercise and practise of religious family-duties but yet me thinks it may seeme to be some upbraiding of the reformed times that there is no peculiar treatise bestowed on this subject at least that I have either seene or ever heard of The blessing of God (r) Ephes 3.14 15. the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named and (Å¿) Jerem. 31.1 the God of all the families of the English Israel goe along graciously with this poore and weake endeavour for the glory of his great Name and the spirituall welfare of my most endeared countreâ— men Even so prayeth his Lord unworthy servant and humble pâ—â—titioner at the throne of grace THOMAS PAGE A Series or order of the severall Propositions in the ensuing Demonstration 1. IT is a grand concernment to know and beleeve that the Lord is God 2. Such as know and beleeve that the Lord is God ought to worship and serve him 3. God ought to be worshipped and served according to his owne appointment 4. The word of God is the rule of the worship and service which God hath appointed 5. The rule directed in the Word is not only expressed in doctrinall precepts but also is implied in the promises threatnings and examples 6. One cheife direction is that God be served every day in some religious exercises 7. A religious sanctifying of the Sabbath day doeth not exempt any from religious duties on the working daies 8. The
offence at any of their subjects that doe usurpe upon theâ—â— royall prerogative in presuming to doe 〈◊〉 requiring any thing to be done or executed in their owne names and not in the name oâ— their Prince accounting such disloyalty iâ— the compasse of Praemunire EveÌ„ so the God of heaven earth who is King of kings Lord of lords Revel 19.16 wil be highly offended at all those presumptuous ones as are bold to serve him otherwise then he hath given direction as may appeare by the Apostle Paul his intimation to the Churches of Galatia Galat. 1.8 9. But though we or aâ— Angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto you then that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed As we said before so say I now againe If any man preach any other Gospel unto you then that ye have received let him be accursed IV. PROPOSITION The revealed will or word of God which is conteined in the holy Scripture or Canonicall books of the old new Testament is the absolute rule of direction unto such worship religious service as is of Gods owne institution and appointment to be observed and performed unto his most divine Majesty PROOF This Christ sheweth in the parable of Dives and Lazarus Luk. 16.29 Abraham saith unto him They have Moses the Prophets let them heare them Thus Moses teacheth Deut. 29.29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us to our children for ever that we may doe all the words of this law And thus the godly Bereans approved themselves as it may appeare in that honourable testimony given unto them Act. 17.11 These were more noble then those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readinesse of minde and searched the Scriptures daily whether thâ—â— things were so I. REAS. Because the holy Scripture divinely inspired were therfore given unâ—â— us that we might walke in the light of thâ—â— so be made wise unto salvation by obseâ—ving the directions in them Isa 8.19 2â— And when they shall say unto you Seeke unto theâ— that have familiar spirits and unto wizards thâ— peepe and that mutter Should not a people seeâ— unto their God for the living to the dead 〈◊〉 the law to the testimony if they speake not 〈◊〉 cording to this word it is because there is no liâ—â— in them 2. Timoth. 3.16 17. All Scripture given by in spiration of God is profitable for dâ—â—trine for reproofe for correction for instructâ—â— in righteousnesse That the man of God may be pâ—â—fect thoroughly furnished unto all good works II. REAS. Because God who is a Spâ—rit Iohn 4.24 Infinite Psal 147.5 Eteâ—nall Immortall Invisible only wise 〈◊〉 Timoth. 1.17 Almighty Gen. 17.1 Good Psal 136.1 Gracious and Mercifull Exoâ— 34.6 Holy Iosh 24.19 Iust Deut. 32. â— Perfect Math. 5.48 and Glorious Exoâ— 33.18 cannot have a worship sutable anâ— proportioned unto his excellent Majestâ— save as he hath appointed and revealed to same in his Word See Prov. 30.1 2 3 4 5 6. The words of Agur the sonne of Iakeh even the prophecie The man spake unto Ithiel even unto Ithiel and Vcal Surely I am more brutish then any man and have not the understanding of a man I neither learned wisdome nor have the knowledge of the holy Who hath ascended up into heaven or descended Who hath gathered the wind in his fists who hath bound the waters in a garment who hath established all the ends of the earth what is his name and what is his sonnes name if thou canst tell Every word of God is pure he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him Adde thou not unto his words lest he reproove thee thou be found alyar As if Agur had said Such is the Majesty Mystery of the incomprehensible God even the Father and of Jesus Christ in his hypostaticall union being Ithiel or Immanuel God with us that no man further then he is taught by the pure word of God ordereth himselfe according to it without any adding thereunto can aright worship him in Spirit and in trueth as the Father seeketh OBSERVAT. Albeit the invisible things of God seene in the Creation of the world Rom. 1.20 and in the works of his Providence Act. 14.17 and in the law written in mens hearts Rom. 2.15 doe serve to leave men without excuse for their not worshipping of God as is meet Yet none of these doe sufficiently and effectually cleeâ— mens understandings touching the waies 〈◊〉 God where Scripture is not likewise madâ— use of as Christ convinceth the Sadduces Math. 22.29 Ye doe erre not knowing the Scriptures V. PROPOSITION The direction or paterne of religious worship and service unto God conteined in the holy Scripture is propounded set down in a various methode or manner viz. Somtimes some parts of iâ— are directly expressed in Precept Doctrines and somtimes somâ— parts of it are only implyed and to be gathered by good consequence from Promises Threatâ—nings Examples c. mentioneâ— historically related PROOF I. The books of Moses aâ— the Prophets doe in great part consist of Pâ—â—cepts and doctrines See Exod. 20.1 c. conteining the Decalogue See also Math 5. 6. 7. cap. conteining Christs sermon on the mount c. II. The Scripture aboundeth in precious Promises unto the conscionable observers of some religious courses that are not expressely commanded An instance hereof is in Revel 1.3 Blessed is he that readeth they that heare the words of this prophecie keep those things which are written therein Albeit there is no expresse commandement to read the booke of the Revelation and to observe the contents of it yet the blessing promised to the reading hearing and keeping implieth that such course is wel-pleasing to God consequently that he willeth and requireth the same III. The holy Scripture is full of Threatnings of judgments and curses to be inflicted and executed on people in case of some courses omitted which yet are not expresly commanded to be practised An instance hereof is in Ierem. 10.25 Powre out thy fury upon the families that call not upon thy Name Howbeit there is no where in Scripture an expresse Precept given to families to call upon Gods Name yet this propheticall imprecation or threatning of Gods fury to families for omission or contempt of such course implieth that God requireth families to call upon his Name For God in punishing any doth alwaies proceed justly Gen. 18.25 Shall not the Iudge of all the earth doe right IV. Sundry books both in the old and new Testament are in great part historicall and exemplary conteining divers examples of imitable practises which have no expresse commandement An instance hereof is in Act. 14.23 When they had ordained Elders in every Church c. This historicall example implieth that although there is no expresse direction to ordaine Elders in every Church yet notwithstanding that every
teach them as hath â—eene declared Proposit 33. â—et notwithstanding if the said Governour of the family be a priâ—ate man onely and not an apâ—roved teacher of the word then â—e may not presume above his â—ift and calling to interpret and â—pply the Scriptures sith he is â—â—bordinate to the ministeriall â—ffice PROOF To this effect the Apostle Paul â—iveth speciall advertisment and caution Rom. 12.3 For I say through the grace given unto men to every man that is among you not to thinke of himselfe more highâ—ly then he ought to thinke but to thinke soberly as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith I. REAS. Because God himselfe hath â—istinguished and put a difference betwixt â—he gifts and callings of his people So that â—herefore they ought to walke answerably See 1 Corinth 12.4 5. Now there are diâ—â— versities of gifts but the same Spirit And there are differences of administration but the same Lord. II. REAS. Because although any one competently qualified and endowed 〈◊〉 gifts yet he may not presume to miniâ—â—â— untill his gifts be approved and after appâ—â—bation he do receive a calling See such â—â—rection given touching Deacons 1 Tim 3.10 Let them be first proved which seâ—â— as a president much rather to such as aâ—â— exercise their gifts for the spirituall gooâ— others either in the Church of Family OBSERV A speciall calling is reqâ—â—â— unto a speciall dispensation See Hebr. â— No man taketh this honour unto himselfe 〈◊〉 that is called of God as was Aaron XXXV PROPOSITION The Governour of the famâ—â—â— in some cases upon just and goâ—â— grounds reasons moving theâ— unto may lawfully depute 〈◊〉 substitute some one in the famâ—â—â— whom he judgeth fittest uâ—â—â— such service and imployment 〈◊〉 himselfe should ordinarily pâ—â—forme and execute And conâ—â—quently to performe the duties of â—eligion in his stead or to be as 〈◊〉 were the mouth of the family 〈◊〉 that service to God PROOF It belonged to Abraham acâ—ording to Gods ordinance Deut. 7.3 as â—e godly have approved themselves Ruth â— vers 1. to take a wife for his sonne unto â—hich yet he substituted his servant See â— Gen. 24.2 3 4. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house that ruled over all that he had Put I pray thee thy hand under my thigh And I will make thee sweare by the Lord the God of heaven and the God of the earth that thou shalt not take a wife unto my sonne of the daughters of the Canaanites amongst whom I dwell But thou shalt goe unto my countrey and to my kinred and take a wife unto my sonne Isaac I. REAS. Because all Christians indefiâ—â—â—ely consequently the severall members 〈◊〉 families are members of the mysticall â—â—dy of Christ and therefore in due waies â—ay be usefull and serviceable for the good â—â—d benefit of the whole body See 1 Coâ—inth 12.21 25. And the eye cannot say unto the hand I have no need of thee and againe the head to the feet I have need of you The members should 〈◊〉 the same care one for another II. REAS. Because under one case abâ—â— doing of any thing expressed in the 〈◊〉 Scripture all cases of the like nature may comprehended For so our Saviour Châ—â— doth cleere this point in the case of wâ—â— of mercy and necessity to be done on 〈◊〉 Sabbath day See Math. 12. vers 1 2 â— 5 7 11. Luk. 13.12 13 14 15 16. 〈◊〉 therefore it is lawfull for governours of 〈◊〉 milies to depute some meet person to 〈◊〉 performance indifferently aswell as to 〈◊〉 performance more specially if no just â—â—ception can be taken thereunto OBSERV Cases of such deputation 1. In greater families such as are the milies of Princes Noblemen Gentleâ—â— of higher degree c. where there is mâ—â—titude of businesse and a great number inhabitants they may there have their Sâ—â— wards and deputies So Abraham haviâ—â— large family Gen. 14.14 he had is Stewâ—â—â— See Gen. 15.2 II. In case of old age and weaknesse body there may be just occasion to mâ—â— some use of deputies Even as Samuel beâ—â— old made his sonnes to be Judges 〈◊〉 1 Sam. 8.1 III. Want of good utterance in expressing what is to be said may require some use of another to be a spokesman in weightier affaires As Aaron was Moses his spokesman and instead of a mouth unto him See Exod. 4. vers 10 16. IV. Want of boldnesse and audacity arising from a consciousnesse of weaknesse modest bashfulnesse and unworthinesse in any one may become an occasion to make use of the assistance of others As the good Centurion sent the Elders of the Jews to Christ to intercede for him See Luk. 7.3 V. In case that a Minister of the Gospel doe sojourne in ones family as Archippus did in Philemon his house Philem. vers 2. it may be convenient in respect of his gifts to make use of him for the performance of religious family-duties sith we ought to covet the best gifts 1 Corinth 12.31 VI. In case of the necessary absence of the Governour of the family for some time there may be a use of some one of the family to be deputed by him unto the performance of the duties As the Apostle Paul made Timotheus his deputy to the Christian Thessalonians See 1 Thess 3.1 2. c. XXXVI PROPOSITION If the Governour of the family be remisse or carelesse and dâ—â— want zeale to performe famiâ—â— duties in his owne person bâ—â— yet can be prevailed with by 〈◊〉 wife or some other to give wâ—â— thereunto Then ought some 〈◊〉 gifted for the worke to put tâ—â—â— same forward by setting upâ—â— the performance thereof haviâ—â— the approbation of the said gâ—vernour PROOF As the noble Shunamitish 〈◊〉 man did in another case goe to the maâ— God having with some importunity pâ—â—vailed with her husband for consent alâ—â—â— he was not free thereunto see 2 King 4 1â— 23. So it may be done herein See Propâ—â—â— sit 35. Reas 2. I. REAS. Because it is matter of joy whâ—â— the worke and duty which God hath aâ—pointed to be done is promoted by 〈◊〉 meanes whatsoever seeme it never so 〈◊〉 likely This is implied in another case by 〈◊〉 Apostle Paul See Philip. 1.18 Whâ—â— then Notwithstanding every way whether in pâ—â—tence or in trueth Christ is preached and lâ—â—â— therein rejoyce yea and will rejoyce II. REAS. Because a discreet and zealous course in such kinde is a probable meanes to winne the Governour of the family through Gods blessing to set upon the exercise and practise thereof himselfe in due time as it is implied 1 Pet. 3.1 Husbands that obey not the word may without the word be wonne by the conversation of the wives OBSERV Albeit it be some dishonour and may justly occasion shame when Governours in the Commonwealth Church or family failing in what is meet to be done by them are outstripped in zeale by inferiours yet God doth approve and accept the service both of the